Oleksandr Zinchenko remained an unused substitute as Nottingham Forest suffered a 3–1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League. It was a frustrating afternoon for Forest, who slumped to a fourth consecutive league loss, deepening concerns over their current form.

Ollie Watkins broke the deadlock just before half-time, giving Aston Villa a deserved lead after a controlled opening period. The visitors then turned the screw after the interval, with captain John McGinn delivering a decisive performance.

McGinn struck twice in the second half, punishing defensive lapses and effectively putting the game beyond doubt. Nottingham Forest briefly threatened a comeback when Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back in the 61st minute, but the response was short-lived.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Aston Villa - Nottingham Forest 3:1 (1:0)
Goals: Watkins, 45 (1:0); McGinn J., 49 (2:0); Gibbs-White, 61 (2:1); McGinn J., 73 (3:1)

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Lindelöf; Konsa; Maatsen I. (Digne, 69); Kamara B.; Cash (Andrés García, 90); McGinn J. (Bogarde L., 83); Tielemans; Watkins (Malen, 83); Buendia (Sancho, 69); Rogers M.
Substitution: Digne (from 69); Sancho (from 69); Bogarde L. (from 83); Malen (from 83); Andrés García (from 90)
Bench: Bizot; Jimoh; Hemmings
Yellow Cards: Bogarde L. 90

Nottingham Forest: John Victor (Sels, 78); Williams N.; Murillo; Milenković; Aina (Savona, 69); Anderson E.; Gibbs-White; Dominguez N. (Douglas Luiz, 84); Hutchinson; Bakwa (Mcatee, 69); Igor Jesus (Kalimuendo, 84)
Substitution: Savona (from 69); Mcatee (from 69); Sels (from 78); Douglas Luiz (from 84); Kalimuendo (from 84)
Bench: Morato F.; Abbott; Zinchenko; Awoniyi
Yellow Cards: Bakwa 65; Mcatee 89